A standardized methodology for inspecting the Airfield Lighting Control and Monitoring System (ALCMS) and associated HMI, CCR remote-control interfaces, PLCs, communication networks, control cabinets, remote I/O, alarms, event logging, status feedback, and operational data. Covers workstations, HMI presentation, CCR remote control, brightness/intensity commands, alarm monitoring, event logs, communication links, PLC/interface systems, network equipment, remote equipment status, control cabinets, and system time/date synchronization.
Critical control — command ≠ confirmation — ALCMS inspection must distinguish between command availability, command transmission, equipment response, feedback confirmation, alarm generation, and event recording. A command displayed as successful on the HMI should not automatically be treated as proof that the field equipment actually responded. If any link in the command chain fails, the system should not automatically be considered fully operational.
Inspection of the ALCMS operator workstation and associated equipment, including display, input devices, power/UPS status, and alarm indication.
Inspection of HMI functionality and system presentation, including status display, equipment status, alarms/warnings, command interface, feedback, and navigation.
Inspection of communication and control between the ALCMS and CCRs, including remote status, remote commands, and alarm/communication-failure indication.
Verification of applicable AGL lighting intensity commands from the ALCMS, from selection through transmission, feedback, and actual lighting response.
Inspection of alarm-monitoring functionality, including generation, display, acknowledgement, reset, priority, source identification, and history.
Inspection of ALCMS event recording, timestamps, and required operational data logging, including retention and record integrity.
Inspection of communication paths between ALCMS components, CCR equipment, and remote I/O, including status, loss/restoration handling, and fault history.
Inspection of applicable PLC status and physical condition, and the interfaces between PLCs and associated control/monitoring equipment.
Inspection of applicable network equipment supporting the control system, including switches, links, ports, cabling, and power status.
Verification that field equipment status is correctly reported at the ALCMS, including availability, command/feedback comparison, and fault indication.
Inspection of ALCMS control cabinets for physical and operational condition, including access, internal wiring, earthing, and cleanliness.
Verification of ALCMS system time and date, synchronization across system components, and the accuracy of event/alarm timestamps.
Common classification scheme, workflow and records that apply across all 12 Division 14 inspection topics.
Every observation should be assigned an appropriate status:
NormalEquipment/condition satisfactory and operating as expected.
DefectiveAbnormality or defect identified but equipment remains operational or condition does not require immediate withdrawal.
UnserviceableEquipment or system is not available for its intended function.
Immediate Action RequiredCondition presents an operational, electrical, safety, or airside risk requiring immediate escalation/action.
The following sequence applies across all Division 14 topics:
Each inspection record should include:
ALCMS & control system inspection is intended to
It does not replace
Quick answers about alcms & control system inspection in the AGL Inspection Handbook.
Division 14 contains 12 published topics (Level 2, functional and periodic). It gives a standardized methodology for inspecting the Airfield Lighting Control and Monitoring System (ALCMS) and its HMI, CCR remote-control interfaces, PLCs, communication networks, control cabinets, remote I/O, alarms, event logging, status feedback and operational data.
It covers workstations, HMI presentation, CCR remote control, brightness and intensity commands, alarm monitoring, event logs, communication links, PLC and interface systems, network equipment, remote equipment status and control cabinets.
The sequence checks ALCMS availability, inspects the workstation and HMI, and checks equipment status. It then verifies commands, CCR remote control, brightness and intensity commands and feedback, checks alarms, event logs, communication, PLC, network and remote equipment status, inspects control cabinets, verifies date and time, and checks data logging and fault history. It ends with classify defect, record, correct, functional verification and close.
Every observation is assigned one of four statuses. Normal means the equipment or condition is satisfactory and operating as expected. Defective means an abnormality or defect exists but the equipment remains operational or the condition does not require immediate withdrawal. Unserviceable means the equipment or system is not available for its intended function. Immediate Action Required means the condition presents an operational, electrical, safety or airside risk requiring immediate escalation and action.
Alongside the usual date, inspector, observation, status, action and sign-off fields, the record includes the ALCMS, workstation or component identification, the affected equipment or circuit reference, and the command and feedback comparison result where applicable.
No. It does not replace cybersecurity assessment, PLC programming or logic verification, detailed network engineering diagnostics, photometric testing of the fed lighting, electrical testing of field equipment, or software/firmware update and change-management procedures.
Yes. This handbook is an uncontrolled educational reference, not an approved procedure. The airport's approved inspection schedule, SMS procedures, ATC instructions, NOTAM procedures and local aerodrome regulations always take precedence, and the current revision of any official document should be verified before use.
Yes. Each inspection topic has a Download as Word option that produces an uncontrolled Word checklist template (description, a tick-box inspection table and an inspector sign-off block) for personal reference and internal training, to be reviewed and adopted under the user’s own document control.
ALCMS and control-system inspection is where monitoring, sequencing and interlock condition awareness begins. Go beyond identifying defects and build the technical knowledge to understand why abnormalities occur, how they affect system serviceability, and when further testing, troubleshooting, maintenance or corrective action is required.
Develop structured knowledge across:
Learn to connect the inspection process with the wider AGL engineering lifecycle.
Inspect with purpose. Understand the system. Act with technical confidence.
Please read before relying on any content on this page or on any record downloaded from it.